7 Steps for Creating a Movement with Your Book
What if you did more than sell books– what if you created a movement? What if you sparked passions and inspired change by uniting people and lifting them up? It’s possible whether you’re a 350 year old scissor company or a newly published author. Geno Church from Brains on Fire, a marketing company using word-of-mouth advertising and identity development, has seven steps for creating a movement. The mission of Brains on Fire is to create fans for their clients, not just customers. I thought I’d share Geno’s message with you because this should be the goal of every author– to create a movement.
1. Movements are built on passion. You didn’t just write a book to kill some time. You wrote it because you have a passion for something, a burning desire to share your message (or God’s) with the world. The only fuel that can ignite a movement is that passion. Remember it, hold on to it and share it with others.
2. Movements have inspirational leadership. That leader is you because after all, no one will be more passionate about your book than you. (Except maybe your mom.) Use your leadership to create a place where people can share this passion.
3. Movements empower people with knowledge. Your book has a message. What is it? What does it teach readers? What do you want the world to know?
4. Movements encourage ownership. Take your passion to inspire others to create a chain of communication for your message. It’s not just about you, it’s about much more than you. Once you freely release your information, empower others to release it.
5. Movements make advocates and members feel like a rock star. Let them know they’re making a difference by joining your movement. Geno cited the Brains on Fire Fiskateers project for Fiskars scissors. Fiskateers receive unique engraved Fiskars scissors once they become a Fiskateer.
6. Movements have to be online and offline. This isn’t just about creating a blog or setting up a book signing. This about designing a plan with a purpose for reaching as many people as possible.
7. Movements move the needle. Don’t just do what’s always been done. Try something different!
